Router table inlay jig

After upgrading to the Incra router lift, I realized that I had an extra plate with no table to use it on. So rather than dropping $400.00 on another table, I decided to build my own. First step was to route out the inlay for the router plate.

In order to do this, I needed to make a fixture with an absolute start and end point. I started by cutting a dado just big enough for the router bushing to fit into on a scrap piece of Maple. Then, after drilling a hole through the dado I was able to drop a 3/8” spiral-up bit through the rest of the stock.

The fixture is supported by two scrap pieces under either side of my panel, and the additional scrap pieces serve as the start and end points. With the router in place (picture 4) I turned it on and dropped the bit into the panel just deep enough to fit the plate (pic 5).

After the initial cut, I was able to work my way back and forth—3/8” at a time—until the are was cleared out enough to hold the plate (pic 6). The fixture worked great to prevent the router from going completely berserk as they can so often do. After thinking about it, I plan to transform this into something I can use for end grain cutting boards as well.

Next step will be to start cutting slots for an adjustable fence. Thanks for looking.